Filter defined single wide carrier

Abstract

Systems, methods, and access nodes are provided for providing a filter defined carrier. The systems and methods include selecting, at an access node, a frequency range encompassing multiple spectrum blocks and applying a digital filter to the frequency range to eliminate at least one spectrum block within the frequency range to create a carrier having a profile. The method additionally includes comparing the profile to capabilities of a wireless device and allowing the wireless device to connect to the access node in compliance with the profile and its capabilities.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 select, at an access node, a frequency range encompassing multiple spectrum blocks;   applying a digital filter to the frequency range to eliminate at least one spectrum block within the range to thereby determine a carrier having available spectrum blocks; and   allowing a wireless device to connect to the access node utilizing at least one of the available spectrum blocks within the carrier, the available spectrum blocks not including the at least one spectrum block eliminated by the digital filter.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving a UE capability report from the wireless device. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising comparing the available spectrum blocks with received UE capabilities from the UE capability report. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising selecting spectrum blocks available to the wireless device based on the comparison. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising sending information identifying the selected spectrum blocks to the wireless device. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising communicating information identifying the available spectrum blocks to the wireless device during an attach procedure. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising allowing the wireless device to connect to the access node using multiple available spectrum blocks within the carrier. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising communicating the available spectrum blocks to the wireless device using a system information block (SIB). 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising defining a profile based on the available spectrum blocks and comparing the profile to a received UE capability report. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further, comprising defining at least one carrier encompassing multiple frequency bands. 
     
     
         11 . An access node comprising:
 at least one processor performing operations including:   selecting a frequency range encompassing multiple spectrum blocks;   applying a digital filter to the frequency range to eliminate at least one spectrum block, thereby defining a carrier having available spectrum blocks; and   allowing a wireless device to connect to the access node using at least one of the available spectrum blocks within the carrier, the available spectrum blocks not including the at least one spectrum block eliminated by the digital filter.   
     
     
         12 . The access node of  claim 11 , the operations further comprising receiving a UE capability report from the wireless device. 
     
     
         13 . The access node of  claim 12 , the operations further comprising comparing the available spectrum blocks with received UE capabilities from the UE capability report. 
     
     
         14 . The access node of  claim 13 , the operations further comprising selecting spectrum blocks available to the wireless device based on the comparison. 
     
     
         15 . The access node of  claim 14 , the operations further comprising sending information identifying the selected spectrum blocks to the wireless device. 
     
     
         16 . The access node of  claim 11 , the operations further comprising communicating information identifying the available spectrum blocks to the wireless device during an attach procedure. 
     
     
         17 . The access node of  claim 11 , the operations further comprising allowing the wireless device to connect to the access node using multiple available spectrum blocks within the carrier. 
     
     
         18 . A method comprising:
 selecting, at an access node, a frequency range encompassing multiple spectrum blocks;   applying a digital filter to the frequency range to eliminate at least one spectrum block within the frequency range to create a profile of a carrier;   comparing the profile to capabilities of a wireless device; and   allowing the wireless device to connect to the access node in compliance with the profile.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising selecting at least one spectrum block based on the comparison. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising sending information identifying the selected spectrum block to the wireless device using a system information block (SIB).